SILS LIVE — 17:20
One of the most beautiful side valleys in the Engadin begins just a few steps away from the village square in Sils. The mostly car-free Val Fex – or Fex Valley – captivates hikers, mountain bikers and walkers as well as snowshoe trekkers and cross-country skiers alike. Discover paradise.
With its wide-open meadows and pastures, shady woodland and its varied network of trails, the Fex Valley is a true hiking paradise in summer. In winter, the roughly eight-kilometre-long valley is a white wonderland with guaranteed snow. The only sounds you hear are the tinkling of bells on the horse-drawn carriages and the crunch of your own steps in the snow. About 100 people still live in the Fex Valley today, some of whom ensure that you enjoy not only the spectacular scenery, but the excellent cuisine too. Enjoy hiking with all your senses in summer or winter.
Sils Maria - Fex Platta | 30 - 40 minutes |
Sils Maria - Fex Crasta | 50 - 60 minutes |
Sils Maria - Fex Curtins | 1.5 -2 hours |
Sils Maria - Alp Muot Selvas | 2.5 - 3 hours |
The Fex Valley has the good fortune to be among the Engadin landscapes that are placed under special protection. In 1954, an agreement was made between the municipality of Sils and the Swiss Heritage Society, Pro Natura and Pro Helvetia that there would be no parking, no ski lifts, no chair lifts, no power lines and no new holiday homes. Thanks to this, visitors are greeted with fragrant meadows, picturesque villages and sparkling mountain streams. Let your body and soul roam free on the extensive network of hiking trails.
The Fex Valley was inhabited in the early middle ages. In 1303, the first document refers to a valley called “Fedes”. This name clearly indicates that “Feda”, the Romansh word for sheep, were grazed here. Later – when the valley was called ‟Feitz” – a chronicler wrote: «The valley is rich in meadows with a high hay yield and magnificent pastures grazed by sheep.» He also wrote: «At a distance of approximately 1,000 steps from the village of Silio (Sils Maria) live wealthy farmers on farmsteads consisting of roughly 30 houses.» This was around 450 years ago. Today, the Fex Valley has four smaller farms. Around 900 sheep are grazed on the Alps in summer.
The Fex Valley is still the same as it is portrayed on engravings and old photos. If you follow the trail through the narrow Fex gorge, which is steep in places, you soon arrive at Fex Platta, an idyllic village at the bottom of the sweeping valley, which is surrounded by glorious meadows. The path now climbs slightly: in the distance, you will see the small chapel of Fex Crasta, which is adorned with frescoes dating back to 1511. Smugglers from the Muretto Pass once prayed here for protection against falling rocks and avalanches. Continue for a further 3 km and you see Fex Curtins. This is the last hamlet in the valley and has been inhabited for more than 700 years.
One of the most cosy and unusual ways of exploring the Fex Valley in summer or winter is in a horse-drawn carriage. The ride takes you through unspoiled countryside, surrounded by majestic 3,000 metre mountain peaks. If you don't want to hire your own horse-drawn carriage, you can hop on the horse omnibus in summer. It has a fixed timetable and takes you to Platta, Crasta or to the Fex Hotel, as required.
Sils Maria - Fex Platta | 15 minutes |
Sils Maria - Fex Crasta | 30 minutes |
Sils Maria - Hotel Fex | 50 minutes |
Holidays in the Fex Valley are a special experience. Enjoy total calm and nature up close – you couldn't ask for more. We also indulge you with local specialities and delicacies. Next to the Hotel Chesa Pool guesthouse, which comprises several historic buildings, you will find the Hotel Sonne Fex (Crasta) and the smaller guesthouse called Pension Crasta. The charming Fex Hotel, which was built in 1900 and is located towards the end of the Fex Valley, welcomes hikers, climbers and gourmets. You can also book a holiday apartment for a relaxing holiday in the Fex Valley, surrounded by nature.
In summer, you can look forward to sampling delicious local dishes up in the mountains on Alp da Segl, which is roughly a 20-minute walk from the Fex Hotel, and on Alp Muot Selvas at the far end of the Fex Valley, which is a roughly 40-minute walk from the Fex Hotel.
Holidays in the Fex Valley
Find your Hotel or holiday home in the calm Val Fex
Restaurants in the Fex Valley
Enjoy wining and dining in the Fex Valley.
Horse-drawn carriage
We lead you safely into the Fex Valley.
Municipality of Sils i.E/Segl
Our municipal offices.
Stories about Sils